Even though Ricky Rubio likely will make his season debut Saturday, Dec. 15, Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman is pleading ignorance.

“I have no idea about Saturday,” Adelman said Thursday of Rubio’s status. “Every day they do testing on him to see where he’s at. We’ll continue to evaluate him and see what comes out of it. I’m sure we’ll make that decision on Saturday.”

The Wolves (10-9) play host to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

But first, they’re in New Orleans on Friday for a game against the Hornets, a trip Rubio did not make. Adelman said it would be easier for Rubio to continue his workouts and tests at the Wolves’ practice facility at Target Center.

Rubio skipping the New Orleans trip could be an indication he is close to playing. After Thursday’s practice, Rubio had a courtside meeting with Adelman, Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn and team trainer Gregg Farnam.

Adelman did not disclose details of the meeting, and Rubio and Kahn did not talk to reporters. Farnam was unavailable for comment.

Adelman said a decision on Rubio’s status for the Dallas game could be made Saturday morning. A Wolves source said Thursday that Rubio will play Saturday.

When Rubio does return, Adelman cautioned to keep his play in perspective.

“People think that when Ricky comes back, everything will be OK,” the coach said. “You have to give him some time to see where he’s at. I’m not putting any expectations on him. I want to see how he does when he plays. We certainly know if he plays the way he did last year, he can make a big impact on our team.”

The Wolves were 18-13 in Rubio’s 31 starts last season. He averaged 10.2 points and ranked sixth in the NBA with 8.2 assists. His impressive rookie season was cut short March 9 when he collided with Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant on an inbounds play.

Rubio underwent reconstructive surgery March 21 in Vail, Colo., to repair the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee. He was projected to be out six to nine months, thus his recovery is on schedule as he approaches the nine-month mark on Dec. 21.

Since Rubio was cleared for full-contact practices Nov. 27, Adelman said, the guard has had no setbacks. Teammates have been impressed with Rubio’s performance in practice and believe his return is just a matter of time.

“We’re happy for Ricky,” forward Andrei Kirilenko said. “We know he’s close. It would be good to get it out of the way, but if he’s still hurting, don’t do it.”

Adelman said Rubio will go through more testing “over the next couple of days” for further evaluation of his knee’s stability. Rubio has been wearing a sleeve on his knee in practices.

If Rubio gets the go-ahead to play Saturday, Adelman will have to determine how to use him.

“We’ve talked about if he starts, how do we do that,” Adelman said. “If he doesn’t start, how do we play him. We have to look at this from the whole team’s point of view and how it affects the other guys. I’ll be talking to all our guards. They know it’s going to change things.”

Malcolm Lee, who has started 12 of the past 13 games at shooting guard, might not be involved much in the early discussions. He hyperextended his right knee Wednesday night in the Wolves’ 108-105 win over Denver at Target Center and did not make the trip to New Orleans.

Adelman was uncertain how long Lee will be sidelined, but his injury comes at a time when the Wolves need to adjust minutes for J.J. Barea, Luke Ridnour and Alexey Shved to make room for Rubio.

Adelman said Lee’s injury will not be a factor in accelerating Rubio’s return.

“I would never do that,” Adelman said. “We still have guards to get through things.”

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